Britain loses as Unilever picks Rotterdam as its new base

Rotterdam, home to Europe’s largest port, will be the primary legal base for the Anglo-Dutch companyJERRY LAMPEN/REUTERS

Unilever is set to announce a plan to move its headquarters and domicile to Rotterdam today in a severe blow to the government.

At a time when Theresa May is keen to demonstrate that a post-Brexit Britain is an attractive location for large companies, Unilever’s board will recommend its shareholders vote to pick Rotterdam over London for its primary legal base and headquarters.

The decision, which will be badged by the Anglo-Dutch company as the best way to simplify its complex structure and operations, comes at a crucial point in the UK’s Brexit negotiations. It also comes on the same day the prime minister’s business council prepares to hold a meeting in Downing Street with FTSE 100 bosses to discuss Brexit.